Photo and Story Courtesy of: Dana Greig

At the end of this month, ghouls and goblins galore will emerge everywhere you look. One of the best family friendly places to spot them is at the annual Halloween party in White Bird at the IOOF Hall on Saturday, October 26.

For more than 20 years, Darla and Bonner Brumley has put on a big time Halloween party with small town comfort not to be missed. Though the main objective is kid focused fun, attendees of all ages dress up, show up, and have an incredible time. Having the event in the newly updated IOOF Hall will add a spark of excitement this year.

“The Halloween party has always been my thing for the community,” smiled Darla. “It’s just fun, I love holidays, and I like a party!”

Darla explained the first Halloween parties were put on by the community parents when her own kids were little to give them more to do after trick-or-treating at the limited number of houses in town. Years later, Cheryl and Al Bolden called and asked if she would consider having the parties again for their grandkids [and other area children] to enjoy.

“I think it’s great for the kids to play some old-fashioned carnival games and get away from the tv, video games, tablets and chaos of every day,” explained Darla. “They come and do what kids do or should do; have fun!”

The event packs a plethora of ways to have fun in the two hours it runs. The fun runs from 6 p.m. – 8p.m. offering free hot dog bar, refreshments, and treats as well as 10-15 games kids can rotate through with everyone winning candy and prizes. At 7 p.m. all are invited to enter the costume contests categorized by multiple age groups from zero to adults, with each category winning cash prizes for first, second, and third place. Cash prizes can also be won by entering the pumpkin carving contest, open to all ages with the only categories being freehand and by stencil. Contestants carve pumpkins in advance and bring them ready for judging to the event. Arguably one of the most popular things to do for all ages at the event is the cake walk that runs for the entirety of the party.

Darla relies on multiple people to make every aspect of the event run smoothly. Volunteers help sell tickets at the door, serve food, run the game booths, judge the contests, and man the cake walk.

Usually, my kids come help run the games and bring my grandkids,” Darla grinned as she added, “I have ten of them now!”

Another family helper running the games is Darla’s husband, Bonner.

“Bonner likes to help run the booths, especially the shooting games,” laughed Darla. “He always helps prepare the games, making sure they all work and have fully charged batteries.”

Other tried and true helpers include the Cook family, and cake walk commander, Maggie Abbott. Darla also relies on donations of both cash and desserts for the walk and is always appreciative of the support of the Rebekahs Lodge Royal Gem #13 who donate the use of the IOOF Hall as well as funding for prizes.

“They always have my back,” chuckled Darla.

All the donations received help tremendously, but for the most part, the Brumley family foots the bill for the entire event. Darla owns all the games and purchases all the prizes out of pocket, adding one or two new games every year and rotating them out to keep attractions exciting.

Although game tickets are purchased by attendees at eight for one dollar, the event isn’t about making money. The ticket sales don’t stretch very far, not even covering the prizes for the following year.

“When we started it, someone told me kids like to have tickets and it makes them feel big to exchange something to play the game,” said Darla.

She explained that’s the reason for having people purchase tickets, as it’s never been about trying to make money.

“It’s fun for the kids getting out their tickets, waiting their turn in line, and be able to do it all themselves,” explained Darla. “Plus, it teaches them the ‘Ps and Qs of patience!”

Arguably the best aspect of the event is that it is fun for the parents to get together as well, making it fun for the whole family.

“It’s an opportunity for the adults to come and visit while the kids run and play,” explained Darla. “They don’t have to be watched constantly like in a bigger place. The parents don’t have to worry and can relax and enjoy.”

The party is open to anyone who would like to attend. Families come from all over to pack the hall for the event, it’s not strange to see 80 costumed small humans running around.

“I’m not sure where they all come from,” laughed Darla, “but I’m glad they come!”

After having run the event for so many years, Darla’s favorite thing is to see people returning year after year.

“What’s really weird is to see all those who were little kids coming to the party when I first started and now, they’re all grown up and bringing their babies,” laughed Darla. “It’s been a really fun generational thing to watch.”

Darla plans to keep the party going for the foreseeable future, which means it will continue to be a highlight of the Halloween season in our area for years to come.